Imperial County Board of Supervisors Approves Lithium Valley Workforce Plan

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) - The Imperial County Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance aimed at boosting local hiring and protecting wage standards.

The County said the ordinance does not need a full environmental review because it does not actually approve or build any projects.

Bari Bean, the Deputy CEO of Natural Resources in Imperial County, said the rule only sets job and worker requirements for future developments.

Bean said, "The primary purpose of the ordinance is to promote high quality construction jobs, strengthen local workforce participation, and ensure safe and skilled project development."

During public comments after the presentation, the rdinance received olverwhelming support from local union members and construction workers.

Imperial County Building and Trades Council member Rene Felix encouraged the ordinance, saying it will benefit people in the county.

"This ordinance helps make sure local workers and families benefit from the growth coming to our region. It supports good jobs, apprenticeships, proper workforce training, and long-term opportunities for the Imperial County residents," he said.

Major Lithium Valley projects would still require separate environmental review under California law before any construction can begin.